Hello -
Wondering if anyone can give me any information about this Effanbee Anne Shirley doll.
She is 15" tall, has socketed limbs and though she's been packed away and in rough condition, she isn't in terribly bad shape.
I'd like to spruce her up for my granddaughter, but not sure if I should comb her hair or mess with her too much.
Curious how old she may be or any other information is appreciated.
Thank you,
Linda

Shop for:

Comments

Manikin, 3 years agoYou have a beautiful doll all original and wonderful ! Dates from 1940's . They uses Anne Shirley body on may dolls along with the Dewees Cochran children and others . Yours can have hair combed it it is mohair but there will be a lot of loss of hair to fix it . If you never have worked with mohair wigs this old be very careful. You usually get one chance to curl it it comb it . I then put in a hairnet not to be combed again . I would hope you don't wash her clothes as the original sizing in clothes is important to collectors . It should be a doll put in a cabinet on display not for play at this point . However that is up to you I will shut my eyes if you do anything to her :-) She has a wonderful horsehair hat also . The most I would do it gently comb her bangs a little at a time do not try to put comb all the way through but just get the top of hair . You could have her cleaned by a doll hospital if her body is dirty . Do not put water on her and don't get paint on face wet it will wash off and also cause damage to the material she is made of . She is in beautiful vintage condition and not in bad shape compared to many others . She has been well preserved .

Effanbee Dolls were a fixture of the 20th century. Effanbee Dolls started production of dolls in 1912, right at the beginning of the era of composition dolls. The company had great success with its composition creations, most notably Patsy and her family of dolls. Later dolls were made in hard plastic and vinyl, and the company has had a series of owners since and is currently owned by Tonner Dolls.
Founders and Years of Production of Effanbee Dolls:

Effanbee Dolls was founded by Bernard Fleischaker and Hugo Baum. Effanbee Dolls have been in nearly continuous production since 1912 through to today, although the company has had a series of owners (and has faced a a few financial hurdles and bankruptcies) which caused a few small gaps in doll production.
Dolls That Have Been Produced By Effanbee Dolls:

Well-known dolls that have been produced by Effanbee Dolls include Patsy, Patsyette, Skipy, Dy-Dee Baby, Tintair, Little Lady, Ann Shirley, American Children by Dewees Cohcran, Brenda Starr and many others. Betsy McCall is being produced by Effanbee Dolls starting in 2008, as is Tiny Kitty Collier.
Sizes of Effanbee Dolls:

Effanbee dolls have ranged in size from about 6 inches (wee patsy) up to approximately 28 inches for some very large Mama Dolls and Baby Dolls.
Materials Used:

Since Effanbee Dolls have spanned nearly 100 years, materials used to make Effanbee dolls have included composition, rubber (Dy-Dee Baby), hard plastic, and vinyl.
Prices And Secondary Market For Effanbee Dolls:

Effanbee Dolls are not in a particularly hot market right now; however, pre-1960 vintage Effanbee dolls in mint, original condition with original clothing are still highly sought after. Dolls such as mint, complete, original Honey dolls or mint, original early composition dolls can sell for well over $500. The vast majority of Effanbee vinyl dolls from the 1970s and 1980s sell under their original cost. The Tonner Dolls era Effanbee Dolls generally hold their retail value and rarer items can sell at a premium.
Current Owner of Effanbee Dolls:

Tonner Dolls purchased Effanbee Dolls out of bankruptcy in 2002 and has re-vitalized the company with production of high-quality reproductions of dolls originally be Effanbee (Dy-Dee Baby), a new line of Brenda Starr dolls, and even reproductions from other well-known vintage doll companies (Toni by Ideal). Tonner Dolls has also added new dolls to the Effanbee line-up, including Fancy Nancy and their own Tiny Kitty Collier.

lindajot, 3 years agoManikin - My gosh . . . thank you sooo much for all the information!
If I do keep her for my granddaughter, it would be put away for a special gift when she is old enough to appreciate her.
I've decided not to do anything to "spruce her up", and will leave her as is.
Again, I thank you for your wonderful response, it is much appreciated.
Linda

Manikin, 3 years agoYour welcome Linda and good to put her away for grand daughter she will love her someday and care for her. keep her out of damp area's to store and if in box lay face down as that keeps eyes from falling back when stored a long time .